By 2010, Dell expects to have transitioned their entire laptop catalog to LED backlights. It starts this December with the Dell Latitude E4200, E4300, E6400, E6400 ATG and E6500 as well as the Precision M2400 and M4400.

Dell makes it a point to mention that two-thirds of those Latitudes will ship with LED standard, likely due to suppliers issues.

Why is this such a big deal? I'll let Dell explain...

In addition to being mercury-free and highly recyclable, LED displays deliver significant energy savings compared to cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) technology. For example, Dell’s 15-inch LED displays consume an average of 43 percent less power at maximum brightness, resulting in extraordinary cost and carbon savings. The company estimates customer savings of approximately $20 million and 220 million kilowatt-hours in 2010 and 2011 combined, the equivalent of annual CO2 emissions resulting from energy use of more than 10,000 homes.

See? If you're planning to get a laptop from Dell in the near future, be sure to keep an eye on the specs.

[via EcoGeek]